Source: Dolphins' Tannehill opts for season-ending surgery

Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill (17) and Jay Cutler talk on the sidelines before Thursday's NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Miami Gardens, Fla. AP PHOTO

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MIAMI (AP) -- Ryan Tannehill has decided surgery can no longer be avoided.

The Miami Dolphins quarterback will undergo an operation to repair the torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the entire season, a person familiar with the decision said Friday.

The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins hadn't disclosed it publicly. Tannehill will be placed on injured reserve, the person said.

Tannehill, who missed the final four games of last season with two sprained ligaments in his knee, reinjured it a week into training camp on Aug. 3. The Dolphins consulted with specialists before the team and Tannehill decided surgery was the best option.

Tannehill opted not to have surgery after last season's injury, and instead rehabilitated the partially torn ligaments and underwent stem cell treatments.

Jay Cutler, who parted with the Chicago Bears after eight seasons, agreed to delay his fledgling network TV career and signed a $10 million, one-year contract Monday to replace Tannehill. Cutler, 34, might make his Dolphins debut in their second exhibition game next Thursday.

Tannehill won the No. 1 job for Miami's opener in his rookie season of 2012 and made 77 consecutive starts before his injury last season. He's expected to be ready for the start of training camp next season.

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